Friday Fave – May Days!
May Days! May Days!
What are some favorite May days?
Mother’s Day (May 13) – If you knew my Mom, you’d know why this is a celebrated day. She is an overcomer, encourager, ageless (hope that’s in the gene pool!), Lord-loving woman — and I’m very thankful to call her Mom.
National Day of Prayer (First Thursday in May) – Prayer awareness raised throughout our nation, with Dr. David Jeremiah serving as NDP’s Honorary Chairman this year. Click here to read the 2012 National Prayer.
Word Weavers (Second Thursday in May) – A gathering of like-minded word lovers, focused on sharpening one another’s skills while soothing the inevitable ouch of disappointments.
Family beach trip – Where to begin? Swimming with Piper, conversations about the new little one on his way, four generations of family time, slabs of sunscreen, fresh seafood, and trips to the Yum-Yum shop.
Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference – I’m arriving a day early to spend some one-on-one time with some friends, and then meeting many members of an online writer’s group face-to-face for the first time. I can’t wait, Light Brigade! Edie is once again offering attendees a plethora of workshops and classes—how’s a girl to choose?
Memorial Day – God bless the men and women serving in our Armed Forces, and their families. May we never forget the sacrifices made on our behalf.
So, what’s your favorite May day?
Gravitating Towards Neon Green
Still undecided about attending the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writer’s Conference next month?
Fellow Word Weaver and dear friend, Mary Denman, posted a terrific article on BRMCWC’s site April 3 (scroll down) that may help you gravitate towards the neon green post-it. (I hope so!)
New friendships, fresh encouragement, and first-rate insights await. Umm…and so does Cloud 9 Coffee Shop. Need I say more?
Mini-Steps Matter
Everything about it was outside my comfort zone.
- Driving to an unknown part of town (those who know me know the struggle)
- I had no idea what to expect
- I knew no one
- Was it out of my league?
- Would I have to share my thoughts aloud in a room full of strangers? (my greatest fear!)
Comfort tried its best to persuade me to stay put, but I registered instead. And off to the Emrys poetry workshop I went on Saturday morning!
Upon arrival, I was warmly greeted by the group — and then in came Tina Parker, a dear friend and fellow Word Weaver. To say I was delighted to have her sitting beside me is an understatement. There’s nothing like being sandwiched between an Auburn grad and a lawyer!
I quickly knew I was in trouble when we were asked ten questions, such as How would you kill it? about an inanimate object—and then told we’d share all our answers with the entire group. I felt sick to my stomach, but once the rounds began, the fun kicked up a notch.
I wish I could say I’ve broken down all the barriers of my comfort zone, but I haven’t. I can, however, say that I made strides on Saturday. It was a mini-step, but a step nonetheless, and I feel I’m a better writer as a result.
I now look forward to attending Emrys $5.00 writing workshops on Sundays this summer.
Make no mistake. Mini-steps matter.
What mini-step outside your comfort zone do you need to take today?
Opportunity Dressed in Overalls
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of participating in our local Word Weaver’s workshop, Getting Ready for Conference.
Cynthia Owens did a great job pulling the workshop together, along with her trusted instructors Marcia Moston, Mary Denman, Edie Melson, and Lynn Blackburn. Sue Stout, Carolyn Knefely, and Bruce Brady served faithfully behind the scenes. It was a true team effort.
From the get-go, we were reminded of this scripture: We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)
Remember the popular saying “let go and let God?” I wonder if some of us “let go” a bit prematurely, forgetting our responsibility in fulfilling God’s plans for our lives. (You mean letting go doesn’t include Junior Mints and a nice comfy couch, while resting on God’s promises?)
Marcia reminded us that our responsibility includes being prayerfully sensitive to God’s Spirit, while continuing to work hard at honing the skills we believe God gave us, trusting He will use them for His glory…in His ways…and in His timing. Now that’s letting go!